UK start-ups increase by 19%

British appetite for new businesses remains healthy despite recession

The number of new businesses starting up in the UK has grown by 19%, according to new figures.

Research conducted by direct marketing company Selectabase, shows that from January to May this year, 36,179 new enterprises were launched, approximately 240 start ups per day.

Compared with the same period in 2009 this year’s findings suggest nearly 6,000 more businesses were started in the first quarter of this year.

Commenting on the findings, Steve Sellwood of Selectabase, said: “Even in times of recession, there’s obviously still plenty of start-up activity, often as a result of redundancy, or the need to generate additional household support.”

Analysis of the data revealed that 1265 different types of businesses were started, with the most popular being electricians, plumbers, hairdressers and builders.

Furthermore, over 40% of start ups were home-based businesses, with London, Bristol and Manchester among the top locations.

Sellwood added that shows like Dragons’ Den and The Apprentice had played an important part in encouraging entrepreneurship.